Projects
Remediation of PFAS contaminated soil by a novel combined approach: phytoremediation with hemp followed by biodegradation through Solid State Fermentation of contaminated hemp residues by white rot fungi. Hasselt University
Cell-wall degrading enzyme inhibition and health beneficial effects of phenolic compounds by solid-state fermentation from brassica waste Ghent University
This project will investigate the bioactivities of phenolic
compounds from brassica waste after solid-state fermentation. It aims to search the
binding mechanisms of flavonoids to the cell-wall degrading enzymes by structureactivity
relationship (QSAR) study and investigate their anti-obesity and antihypertension
activities in vivo and in vitro.
Cell wall-degrading enzyme inhibition and health beneficial effects of phenolic compounds by solid-state fermentation from Brassica waste Ghent University
Production of Brassica leads to a high amount of by-products, rich in phenolic compounds. In this study, extracts rich in phenolic compounds will be prepared, after treating the by-products using specific micro-organisms, particularly fungi. These extracts will be characterized based on the phenolic compounds present by UPLC-MS. Also the extracts will be tested on their bio-activity potential, i.e. ACE-inhibitory and anti-obesity activity, ...
Investigation of the mechanisms and optimal conditions during microbial pretreatment of lignocellulose biomass by using co-cultures. University of Antwerp
Investigation of the effect of metal ions and mediators on the delignification selectivity during pretreatment of poplar wood by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. University of Antwerp
Development of an optimized sustainable waste management system for Aruba KU Leuven
Rapidly increasing waste generation is posing significant challenges to small island developing states (SIDS) where geographic isolation, high population densities, limited regulatory frameworks and competing land uses compound issues related to municipal solid waste management. This is particularly the case in Aruba where the majority of waste is deposited without pre-treatment at landfill. This PhD will focus on the development of ...
Valorisation of LIPid waste by Thermophilic Yeasts for the production of long chain Dicarboxylic Acids (LIPTYDA) Ghent University
In LIPTYDA we will create sustainable long-chain dicarboxylic acids (LCDAs) starting from lipid waste. These
LCDAs are of great interest to several Flemish companies as they target different applications like high grade polymers, plasticizers and lubricants. Current dicarboxylic acid production largely relies on fossil based inputs and chemical processes, and is moreover limited to medium-chain products. In LIPTYDA we will focus ...
Valorisation of LIPid waste by Thermophilic Yeasts for the production of long chain Dicarboxylic Acids (LIPTYDA). University of Antwerp
From molecule to bioplastic: new catalytic routes to bio-based monomers. KU Leuven
Utilization of renewable feedstocks for the chemical industry is becoming ever more important in view of decreasing fossil resources and increased pressure on our environment. In this respect, biomass is a promising candidate to serve as a sustainable source of organic carbon for the production of industrial chemicals. Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid) can be considered to be a model of an over-functionalized biomass-derived molecule. It ...